First Time Grower

**growguy00** · 04-24-2006, 02:58 AM

Long-time smoker and first time grower here. I'm planning to convert a small storage trunk i have (roughly 12"x15"x30") into a small portable grow-box for stealth and security reasons. The only relevant experience i have is computer building (cramming lots of heat-sensitive electronics together in a small box that must be cool and quiet) and pot smoking (i know good bud when i see it

)

As of yet plans include a set of 27 watt, 1850 lumen compact fluorescent lightbulbs with built-in ballast. They come in 2700K, 4100K, and 5100K varieties for vegetative/flowering growth. Combined with a 6 socket lantern light string gives the potential for over 11000 lumens (within a space of 1.5 ft^2 and 3.5 ft^3). All this for $80-125 for 6-12 lightbulbs. Hopefully with a rig like this i can bend the rules a bit and squeeze more plants than normal in there. Ideally i'd like to put 2-4 heavy flowering buds in there and string the lights throughout the height of the plants rather than simply from the top. Combined with a screen-of-green setup (or similar) i think some really massive yields can be achieved.

This brings me to the growing material. I kinda have my heart set on a hydoponic system for obvious reasons, but so far my knowledge is extremely limited. I understand the basic concepts of nutrition and fertilization, but creating a hydro rig still appears incredibly complex and rather expensive. Growing in soil seems both easier and more economical. Are there any kits available that have all nutrients and growing materials together at a decent price? Aside from that, do you have any recommendations for the necessary supplies preferably from a single reputable distributor? Is there any way that something like that could be built for under $150-200? If not would it simply be more realistic to switch to a soil-based rig?

Thanks in advance for anything you guys can help me with

growguy00 Reviewed by growguy00 on 04-24-2006. First Time Grower Long-time smoker and first time grower here. I'm planning to convert a small storage trunk i have (roughly 12"x15"x30") into a small portable grow-box for stealth and security reasons. The only relevant experience i have is computer building (cramming lots of heat-sensitive electronics together in a small box that must be cool and quiet) and pot smoking (i know good bud when i see it :D ) As of yet plans include a set of 27 watt, 1850 lumen compact fluorescent lightbulbs with built-in Rating: 5

**turtle420** · 04-24-2006, 10:08 PM

Hey fellow grower, fellow stoner, and fellow computer geek

I can suggest Better Grow Hydro for you. www.BGHydro.com kick-ass place. A+++ customer service.

As to hydro... it doesn't have to be that complex. It can just be a DWC setup (bucket, air stone pumping air bubbles at the bottom, fill with nutrient mix, place plant on top).

Soil vs hydro... there's an endless option there... it's like choosing Gnome vs KDE... it just depends on what you want. There isn't 1 right way to do things. That's what's great about this hobby!

I'm thinking about your box. Do you need stealthyness? Do you need to be able to take it down ASAP if need-be?

Because, cramming EVERYTHING inside one box, is, in my opinion, very hard. I mean, you can get your plants, bulbs, fans, etc. inside the box... but, from my experience, you always get "stuff" sticking outside of your box... either a fan... or a probe... or an extension cord or two...

It isn't that you can't do it... but again, from my experience, grow setups are very hard to make 90% stealthy.

I realize that you posted other questions, but... my fellow geek... I need to off load this WiFi connection like, 15 minutes ago... so, I hope I can re-log in tonight.

Best to you buddy,

-turtle420

.

**GrowinGreen23** · 04-24-2006, 11:02 PM

is that the only option you have for ew grow space? i mean can you do a closet or a corner somewhere? i have mine in a closet and it's stealthy to me i mean if you open it oi'm screwed but you can't see lights or anythign else unless you get relativly close, if yo are limited by the space then you need to be willing to sacrafice a lot of growable bud IMO

**growguy00** · 04-25-2006, 12:19 AM

Turtle, thanks a bunch for your advice. I've been browsing other threads more thoroughly and looking for components to a simple passive hydro system. I'm thinking of growing in rockwool cubes sitting in tray half full of nutrient solution (i'm hardly considering pumps of any kind at this point) and changing the water as needed. Also, as for stealth, i'd like to have something that can be quickly turned into an inconspicuous, mobile footlocker of sorts. Ideally i suppose there would be nothing but an extension cord sticking out on a day-to-day basis.

Originally Posted by turtle420

... it's like choosing Gnome vs KDE....

You have no idea how much that makes me smile. Let's just say i can relate.

GrowinGreen, i've got some good news. Speaking with next year's roommate, we have decided to expand operations. In addition to the portable trunk, we'll be creating a 2'x2'x4' closet for flowering and convert the trunk into strictly a veg box. Hopefully we can get 2-3 plants at a time to bloom in the veg box and 4-6 flowering at any given time. Something like this would allow to constant fill both boxes (assuming roughly 30 days to veg and 60 to flower). Obviously i'm gonna double up on the lighting and run a cool set (4100K) in the veg box and warms (2700K) in the flowering closet.

In addition, i've spent the last two days idoizing (among other things) justaseed's scrog setup. I really think that something like this would be perfect for a limited-space endeavor. Any recommendations for ideal dimensions (closet height, screen height, light placement) to maximize this kind of growth? How about nutrients to stunt vertical growth and promote flowering? Again, anything you guys can throw at me would be greatly appreciated

**GrowinGreen23** · 04-25-2006, 01:02 AM

well to produce a little more yield i guess and maybe keep your height low you can use a LST, low stress training which is when you tie your plant down after its about 4-5 inches, i mean you can get more info from other people but i would look into anything, i'm guessing you're in college?? justremember that people get busted for this stuff and you can get kicked out and have criminal charges added, just so that you're aware i mean i know but i weigh my options

good luck

**The White Snoop** · 04-25-2006, 10:56 AM

Topping is a terrific way to increase yeild. Cut the new growth off, right abouve the nodes and instead of having one bud site...you have 2.
This also helps keep a even canopy so you can consintrate your light to the plant (improving yeild).

I would look at it this way. How much bud do you smoke? If you amoke a lot then I suggest growing bud..but if your an once in awhile smoker than thats up to you. Just way the risks man..before you end up spending Gs.

**growguy00** · 04-28-2006, 05:35 AM

Alright, i've spent the last few days researching and whatnot and am planning to buy the rig within the next couple of weeks. (BTW, the grow is happening over the summer, not during the school year. Any bud grown during the school year will be done far off campus.) Obviously for the first grow i expect to make my fair share of mistakes, but i'd like to minimize as many of the silly mistakes as i can. Starting from scratch, the list is as follows:

Is there anything glaringly obvious missing from the list that i'd need for a proper hydro setup? Anything you'd suggest adding to the mix for optimum results? Anything look egregiously out of place or blantantly unnecessary? Also, any recommendations on quantity? I'm figuring a quart of each of the nutrients and a dozen bulbs should be sufficient for 6-8 plants in a 4-6 square foot area, but i'm sure i could be mistaken. Again, any guidance you can give a virgin grower would be great.

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